Week 2 Declutter Challenge

New week. New goals.The same drive to get it done!!!

Let’s do this!!!

This week we’re going to tackle the kitchen. Let’s make it easier when we cook, bake, and have get-togethers. This week is shorter so if you need more time on a specific area, you can make it 2 days.

Day 1 Pantry (30 minutes)

This will be our biggest project for the week.

1st - Check expiration dates. Throw expired goods away

2nd - Get rid of anything you won’t eat, drink or use.

3rd - Organize; cans into their groups, pasta with pasta, cereal with cereal

4th - Place on shelves

—----------- Top shelf - light items —-----------------

Like - Disposable items plates, napkins, cups, foil trays, etc.

—---------- Middle shelf – cooking staples—----------

Like can goods, pasta, rice, baking items, quick-fix (mac-n-cheese) sides, etc.

—---------- Bottom shelf– kids food/snacks —-----

Like Cereal, pop tarts, syrup, after-school snacks, individual drinks

—----------- Floor– heavy items —----------------

Like water, Potatoes, dog/cat food

NOTE: The pantry needs to be for food. If you have the space, you can add small appliances.

Day 2 upper cabinets (30 mins) set a timer and stay focused!

Cups WE HAVE WAY TOOO MANY!!!! We go out to eat, we get one, we go to a game, we get one, we go to an event, we get one. Everyone wants you to remember them and the best way is to give you something you will continue to use. Time to downsize!

TIP: No more than 2 sets for your family.

Example family of 4

Cups- 8 small, 8 medium, 8 large

Mugs 8 (seasonal needs to be put away with Christmas stuff)

Wine glasses 8, any other glasses no more than 8

Spice cabinet - The best way to organize is to make it visible. Use a lazy Susan, spice rack, or spice tier. I lay ours in a drawer. I bought spice containers with labels. Labels go on the side and on the lid. Best investment idea ever! I put them in alphabetical order to make it easier to find.

TIP: Put baking items in a box, then pull them down when needed.

I have my, sprinkles, food coloring, coconut, nuts, chocolate baking chips, etc in this box.

Day 3 Lower cabinets (30 mins)

NOTE:- You might need some extra time for the plastic containers.

NOTE: Use the plastic containers with missing lids as your storage containers.

Pans- one of each

Cookie sheets- rusted, burnt, teflon peeling off - throw away

NOTE: We need to learn to do away with things that we don't use or are unsafe.

TIP: Glass Casserole dishes - I use this all the time! I say keep keep keep! You can use them for casseroles, serving platters, making jello, bread, candy, etc.

Day 4 Under the sink 5 mins

Trash day! We always save things thinking we will use them again. If you haven't used the cleaner in over 6 months trash it. The chemicals work their best the first year, but then they'll lose their potency. I also like to use a small caddy to keep everything together. When I need a specific cleaner it’s easier to find and carry to the bathrooms.

TIP: Keep staples; dish soap, soft scrub, Weisman stainless steel cleaner, carpet cleaner, dishwasher soap, and trash bags. Everything else must go.

Kitchen Island (30 mins)

If you store your small appliances there - get rid of the ones you haven’t used in 6 months.

Small drawers - silverware set of 8 (store the rest in a ziplock bag and keep it in the extra box/tote in the pantry with your plasticware.

Large utensils - keep 2-3 of the same item. I like to have more than one for the bigger meals.

Towel / hot pad drawer

Junk drawer (do what you did with your nightstand)

Day 5 Refrigerator 30 mins

Start with the top shelf and work your way to the bottom. Then do side drawers.

Pull out items on 1st shelf. Decide to keep or trash. Wipe the shelf down. Then put the keep pile back on the shelf.

Do this for all shelves and drawers.

NOTE: Check expiration dates

TIP: If you need to use fruits/vegetables before they go bad, cut them up and put them in the freezer. (onions, peppers, squash, broccoli, grapes, bananas, strawberries, blueberries)

Week 2 is in the books! Don’t lose your motivation. This will all be worth it in the end.

Next week we get to include the kids.

Chill and relax for the next few days. Recharge your body, heart, and mind to press on. You deserve it!